Nellie Josephine Branch was born October 12, 1913 in Woonsocket, South Dakota, the daughter of Edward John and Henrietta Josephine (Yanisch) Berens.  She was baptized in Woonsocket and confirmed in Harrold, South Dakota.  Nellie's family moved from South Dakota to the towns of Spicer, Lake Lillian, Montevideo, Benson and Starbuck in Minnesota, and she attended country school in South Dakota through the eighth grade.  On January 26, 1946, Nellie was united in marriage to Arlin Elmer Branch at Camp Carson, Colorado, by Chaplin Bernard Butcher.  Nellie was a homemaker and worked on the farm.  She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and the Women's Church Group.  Nellie was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1403 Auxiliary, being a member for 66 years, and was a lifetime member of the DAV Auxiliary.  Among the things she enjoyed were embroidering dishtowels, quilting, playing cards, vegetable and flower gardening, canning, baking, and dancing at Lakeside.  She especially enjoyed her grandchildren.  Nellie was called from this life on Sunday, June 13, 2010, at Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck.  She attained the age of 96 years, 8 months and 1 day. Nellie is survived by her children:  Charles (Carol) Berens of White Bear Lake, Mary Jo (Leroy) Lundebrek of Starbuck, Kathie (Charles) Gaffaney of Glenwood, and Linell (Lyle) Jacobs of Madelia; fifteen grandchildren:  Mark (Lynn) Berens, Steven (Erin) Berens, Ann (Corey) Dietz, Mary (Paul) Walker, Pamela (Mark) Hoeper, Kevin Lundebrek, Joseph Gaffaney, Andrew Gaffaney, Kristina Gaffaney, Luke (Suzanne) Jacobs, Lori (Jon) Oechsle, Ann (Tom) Gruenig, Adam Jacobs, Mark Jacobs, and Mary Jacobs; thirteen great grandchildren:  Kevin and Matthew Berens, Jake and Dan Berens, Sally and Jack Walker, Alison, Royce, and Avery Hoeper, Emmalyn Jacobs, Janica and Makayla Oechsle, and Ethan Gruenig; sister-in-law, Ollie Berens; and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her husband Arlin in 2007; her parents, Edward and Henrietta; four brothers:  Edwin, Joseph, Walter and Roy Berens; and a sister, Marie Berens.